The second Month of MAP (July) is almost over.  This last leg of the trip will be completed in DeRidder, LA, at the Christian Youth Encampment (CYE).  The MAP Team will then go their separate ways - Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky and Louisiana.

This month began with a trip to Little Rock, AR, for MAP at the Sandstone Drive Church of Christ.  During that week, the MAPsters spent their time getting to know the teens there while studying God's Word together.  They slept on the floor in the classrooms and showered in the camper that Bill W. (Indiana) had remodeled into a shower camper.  From there, the MAP Team traveled to New Albany, IN, after spending one night at the MAP property.

While in New Albany, the stayed with several families from the Cherry Street Church of Christ (where Sonny preached each evening.)  During the mornings, the MAPsters worked on VBS material - learning songs, preparing crafts, and discovering their different roles for the VBS to be held in Louisiana.  Each afternoon, they hung out with several teens from the area.  The were able to do things like tour the Louisville Slugger Bat Factory, play at a riverside park in Louisville, KY, see the local locks and dam, visit the nursing home and children's home in Sellersburg, IN, go to the zoo in Louisville, and go to a movie matinee.  Each evening, several girls taught a children's Bible class while the rest of the group listened to Sonny speak on "The Practical, Provable Christian Advantage" from Galatians 4. 

The MAP Team left early Friday morning (which was also the day of our 27th wedding anniversary).  They left Sonny, Gabriel and me behind.  We spent most of the day with 2 MAPsters (Ginna and Leanna) who were unable to make the trip to Louisiana and 2 boys (Paul and Glenn) who had hung out with the MAPsters all week.  We were able to celebrate by eating at one of our favorite restaurants in that area - Cheddar's.  After a restful afternoon, Sonny preached again that evening which completed his lessons for that series.  The MAP Team made it safely to Arkansas (MAP headquarters) where they spent the night.

On Saturday morning, Sonny, Gabriel, and I headed home for the night while the MAPsters headed to Denham Springs, LA.  Once again, God blessed all of us with safety.  The MAP Team was divided into several groups as they went home with their host families.  Our family (minus Bryson) had a restful evening at home after re-packing.  On Sunday, Deana, Brittany and Blaine B. joined us for our trip to Denham Springs.  Deana and Brittany planned to help with the VBS and Brittany was joining the MAP Team (for the last two weeks).  Blaine is 7 years old so he was just going because of his mom.  (Of course, he and Gabriel are big buddies so they had a great time together!)  We arrived just in time to grab a bite to eat, for the rain to start pouring down on us, and for evening services. 

The MAPsters spent Sunday afternoon helping set up for VBS.  They did a lot of decorating, setting up, and gathering supplies.  When we arrived, we were taken back by the scene that was displayed in the auditorium of the church building. It was amazing!  Mike A. spoke that evening and introduced us to the ideas behind the VBS theme - High Seas Expedition.  As you may have guessed, the scene in the church building was the deck of a ship.  It covered the front of the auditorium!

Early Monday morning, the MAP Team (along with members of the Denham Springs congregation) met for a quick tour/review for VBS.  There were over 100 kids who attended each morning.  That was just the kids.  When all the workers were included, there were over 160 people.  The VBS ran from Monday through Friday, then we celebrated Friday evening by inviting the kids' families to come see what they had learned that week, meet their teachers/staff, and share in a pizza party.  Mike A. was the emcee, Tim P. was the song leader/main character (Captain Tim), and Sonny was also a main character in the skits (Sailor Jack).  Cathie B. was in charge of games every day (which was a hot, humid job since they were outside games.)  Each MAPster was given a job from acting out Bible lessons or taking care of kids to being in charge of the cinema or helping with various jobs (some technical, some not so technical).  Everyone worked hard and was exhausted before the week was over.  Sonny also had the privilege of speaking on the subject of parenting two nights that week.  It was a great week! 

Each afternoon, Cathie had scheduled something for the MAPsters to do with the local teens.  We watched videos and played games at the building, went to the aquarium in New Orleans, spent time at the local Bass Pro Shop and Wal-Mart, went shopping at a nearby mall, and went bowling.  As always, it was fun hanging out with everyone!         

Deana, Blaine, Gabriel and I headed home Saturday morning where Leonard (husband/dad) eagerly awaited the arrival of his family!  It was a long trip, but God protected us as we traveled 8+ hours, drove through the rain, and passed through Memphis.  Sonny and the MAPsters, along with a few others, left that afternoon for camp in DeRidder, LA.  That evening, they watched a slideshow that Bryson had to put together during VBS week then headed to bed for a night of rest. 

So far, they've been at camp four nights - one without campers.  There have been several responses for prayer.  They've had some great Bible classes, devotionals, personal Bible study time, and prayer time!  They have also enjoyed seeing some of their old friends and making new friends.  Even though they are exhausted, they have been hanging in there and enjoying their last week together!

This has brought us full circle.  In all of our summer travels, God has truly blessed us and no one can deny it!  It has been a joy to serve with the MAP Team!  Please pray that God will be with each of them as they travel home and minister to their own congregation and community.  May they all see God working in their lives and be able to make a real difference wherever they go!

May we ALL make a real difference!